Personal Retreat Cabins

Solo Retreat Cabins at Tara Mandala

“The retreat cabins are the heart and soul of Tara Mandala. Mountain retreat brings to fruition the guidance of the teacher and gives us unshakable confidence in our practice.”
C.E., Teacher and Mother

“I know it’s time for a solo cabin retreat at Tara Mandala when the feeling of overwhelm is a constant companion. Slowly the world of deadlines and decisions drops away as I settle into my cozy confines, feeling the resonance of those who have come before, knowing the sought-after wisdom is here, awaiting my arrival on the cushion.”
S.G., Ergonomist

The solo retreat cabins at Tara Mandala offer a rare and precious opportunity to enter deep seclusion in a pristine mountain setting. Here, surrounded by nature and silence, you are free to engage in intensive spiritual practice and connect deeply with your innermost being.

Each cabin is the result of loving kindness, generosity, and the dedicated labor of many beings, and is designed to support meaningful retreat. All cabins are insulated and equipped with wood-burning stoves, making them well-suited for year-round practice. While the rustic nature of the cabins is part of their beauty and simplicity, it can also be challenging. We encourage prospective retreatants to consider their readiness to live in this type of environment for an extended time.

 

We currently offer three solo retreat cabins:

  • Karuna
  • Two Trees
  • Prajnaparamita

Two additional cabins — Luminous Peak and Ratna — are being remodeled and will be available late spring 2026.

Each cabin is off-grid, self-contained, and located in a secluded area on our land, with natural beauty and solitude to support deep retreat.

Solo retreats are available for a minimum of three (3) nights and may extend to three or more years, depending on individual capacity and intent.

Arrival and departure days are Mondays and Fridays.

  • For first-time retreatants, we recommend starting with a retreat of seven days or less.
  • For retreats longer than one week, we suggest — and in some cases require — the guidance or permission of a teacher.
  • We also recommend that you have the support of your own teacher or spiritual guide for any extended retreat.

Retreat fees are based on the length of your stay and include:

  • Cabin rental
  • Fuel (wood and propane)
  • Retreatant support, including weekly grocery shopping for stays longer than one week
  • Basic retreat supplies, including fresh ice packs for the cooler and filtered water.

Please note: Food is not provided, though weekly grocery shopping is included for extended retreats.

Please note: Food is not provided, though weekly grocery shopping is included for extended retreats.

Cost:

  • 5 nights…………………………………………………….$95/night
  • One week………………………………………………….$400
  • 2 weeks…………………………………………………….$650
  • 3 weeks…………………………………………………….$900
  • One month thru 6 months……………………………….$950
  • 6 months to one year……………………………………..$850/month

Note: Sustaining Sangha members at the Friend Level/$30 per month receive discounted rates.

Apply Now

See Our Retreat Cabins

Retreat cabins at Tara Mandala provide a rare and precious opportunity to be completely secluded and alone in a remote mountain setting. Here you are free to maintain intensive practice and connect with your innermost being. The retreat cabins have been created through the loving kindness, generosity, and hard labor of many people. Please note that the retreat cabins are very rustic and primitive, and while this may be part of the allure, it can be challenging to live for any length of time in this setting. Please contact our Registrar on this page for more details. Our cabins are insulated and have wood burning stoves for heat, thus they suited for year round inhabitance.

Karuna

Tucked into the south-facing slope of Tara Mandala’s northernmost ridge, Karuna offers a tranquil and secluded haven for deep retreat. This cozy 200-square-foot wooden cabin provides expansive mountain views with Ekajati Peak and the New Zhitro Temple in the foreground. The wraparound hardwood deck is perfect for yoga, seated meditation, or simply resting in nature.
Inside, Karuna is designed with simplicity and retreat in mind, featuring:

 

  • Twin bed with bedding
  • Wood-burning stove for warmth, with firewood stored in a nearby woodshed
  • Utensils, a cooler and ice packs and filtered bottled water
  • Limited solar power for lighting and small electronic devices
  • A fully equipped kitchen with a four-burner propane stove, cookware
  • Outhouse with a great view!

There is ample floor space inside for yoga asana, tai chi, or other movement-based practices, making it a versatile space for various forms of retreat.

Secluded and serene, Karuna is especially well-suited for long-term retreat, providing the solitude and simplicity needed for deepening practice.

Access to the cabin is via a steep 1/3-mile uphill trail, which may become snowy, muddy, or icy depending on the season. During dry conditions, our Solo Retreat Manager will assist you and your belongings with transport in and out.

Luminous Peak (Opens Spring 2026)

Luminous Peak is one of the most rustic cabins, conveniently located slightly closer to the road for those who are less able to carry gear and groceries a long distance. The hike is less than ¼ mile when snow or rain prevents driving. It is, however, still very private. The nearly 180 degree views from Luminous Peak are stunning and live up to its name, luminous. Small and very cozy at just over 100 sq ft, Luminous Peak has a twin bed and bedding, a wood burning stove, a counter top propane stove, and solar electricity. The cabin includes a minimally equipped kitchen, with the basics you will need for preparing meals. With its own water source, a good water filter, and a compost toilet located on the deck behind the cabin, this is a comfortable place to do retreat. The ample south facing deck also provides great opportunities for outdoor meditation in warmer weather.

Prajnaparamita

Prajnaparamita cabin is slightly less remote than some of our other cabins, making it easy to access with no hiking required, even in the winter. This quaint and serene cabin has a wraparound porch on which you will enjoy meditation, yoga, or simply moments of stillness communing with nature. Prajnaparamita cabin is equipped with a two burner countertop propane stove, a source for water plus a Berkey water filtration system and bottled filtered water. There is no refrigerator; a cooler and ice packs are provided. It has all the basic utensils you need to prepare a meal, a twin bed with bedding, a wood burning stove for heat, solar electricity, a composting toilet and a covered wood shed for firewood.

Two Trees

Nestled among the towering Ponderosa Pines on the south slope of Tara Mandala’s northernmost ridge, Two Trees offers a serene and secluded environment for deep solo retreat. This cabin sits at a higher elevation and features breathtaking views of Ekajati Peak, providing an inspiring natural backdrop for contemplation and spiritual practice.

The cabin’s hardwood deck is an ideal space for outdoor meditation, while the interior has been lovingly described by retreatants as “the perfect size” for solo retreat.

While immersed in nature, you’ll have the essentials needed to support a nourishing and focused retreat experience.

Two Trees is thoughtfully equipped with:

  • Twin bed with bedding
  • Fully outfitted kitchen, including a four-burner propane stove, cookware, utensils, and plenty of filtered bottled water
  • Wood-burning stove for heating, with firewood provided
  • Limited solar power to support basic lighting and small devices
  • Cooler with reusable ice packs (please note: there is no refrigerator)
  • Outhouse with an amazing view!
  • Two outdoor meditation platforms

Access to Two Trees is via a steep, ½-mile uphill trail, which may be snowy, icy, or muddy depending on the season. During dry conditions, our Solo Retreat Manager will assist with transportation to the cabin for your arrival.

Ratna (Re-opens Spring 2026)

Ratna is Tara Mandala’s largest and most remote solo retreat cabin, offering profound stillness and uninterrupted solitude. Situated on a hillside overlooking the “Secret Valley,” Ratna faces south and opens to vast views of the surrounding southern and western landscapes. This is a truly secluded refuge for practitioners seeking deep retreat in nature.
Spanning approximately 350 square feet, Ratna offers ample space for movement-based practices such as yoga, tai chi, or other meditative disciplines. Expansive windows on three sides allow natural light to fill the space and frame sweeping views—ideal for morning practice or evening reflection. Inside, you’ll find:

  • Twin bed with bedding
  • A choice of meditation seats, including one positioned before a full-length window overlooking the valley and another facing traditional altar
  • A fully equipped kitchen with a four-burner propane stove and oven, plenty of filtered bottled water and a cooler with Ice packs
  • Limited solar electricity for lighting and charging small devices
  • A wood stove for warmth

What makes Ratna truly special is its unparalleled silence—far removed from roads, people, and the distractions of daily life.

Access to Ratna is a ½-mile steep and winding walk downhill, which becomes more challenging in winter conditions. Note: Ratna is not accessible from November through May, unless you are an experienced and prepared winter hiker. During dry conditions, our Solo Retreat Manager will assist with transportation to the cabin for your arrival.

During Your Retreat

Tara Mandala’s cabins are very remote and offer a wonderful opportunity for solo practice. As such, they are also very rustic. There is no running water in any of the cabins. The cabins are located between 7000-8000ft elevation and can be cold at night, even during summer months. 

If this is your first private retreat at Tara Mandala, a support staff will check in with you personally on the second or third day of your retreat, if desired. After that, written communication will be checked once a week throughout your stay. Once you are in the cabin, please do not leave the land,

but maintain your retreat without visits to town or the office, except in an emergency. In the same way, in order to preserve the quality of silence, it is strongly requested that you do not use a cell phone or play audio with the exception of practice materials you may be using. There is no wifi access for solitary retreatants.

Arrival

Check in time is strictly between 2-3:30 pm on Mondays and Fridays. Upon arriving you will be greeted by a Tara Mandala staff member. You will transfer all items you need for your retreat into a Tara Mandala vehicle and will be driven as close to your cabin as possible. During summer months, most cabins are accessible by vehicle, however in winter months you will have to hike all items in. Hikes vary from ¼ – ½ of a mile, often through thick mud, snow, or ice. Tara Mandala staff will give you a brief orientation to the cabin before leaving you to your retreat. Click here for directions to Tara Mandala.

Wood Heat

If you’re not familiar with using a wood stove, be sure to ask for instructions on how to keep the stove warm and safe. Wood and an axe will be provided; you will make your own kindling. General guidelines include using a lighter wood (such as pine) for kindling and fire starter. You can also collect dead twigs and branches for kindling. After a base of coals has been established, oak may be introduced. Newspaper, plain paper, and pine cones make excellent fire starters. Burning cardboard, colored paperboard (cereal box material), or colored paper is not recommended. When burned, colored inks release toxins.

Water & Bathing

Some of the Cabins have an outdoor water spigot. For these cabins, a high quality water filtration system is provided. We also provide 3 or 5 gallon bottles of filtered water that can be replenished during your stay.

There is no running water and no access to a shower. Most cabins include a solar water shower bag. You may prefer to bring your own camp shower. Many retreatants choose to boil large pots of water for bathing.

Outhouse

All of our retreat cabins have a private outhouse or composting toilet.

Hiking on the Land

Please be aware that there are no maintained trails on the land. You are welcome to go for walks along the main road. Please know that this is a single lane, dirt and gravel road that is traversed by staff and residents and you will need to exercise caution when walking here. We request that you take a bear bell, bear horn, bear spray, and your radio when you go for a walk on the land (all are provided upon arrival). We ask that all retreatants stay on Tara Mandala’s property and do not enter the nearby subdivision. Staff will inform you of where you can walk during orientation.

Electricity

All of the cabins have limited solar electricity. Depending on the amount of sun, this may be adequate for powering a laptop, but high wattage appliances or items with heating units will not work.

Recycling

Pagosa Springs has limited recycling and does not recycle plastic bags or glass. Place recycling in the large container by the Community Building when you leave. We encourage you to limit your trash output as much as possible, and take any materials Pagosa Springs can not recycle home with you if your local recycling program is more inclusive.

Mail

If you will be in retreat long enough to send and receive mail, please use the following address:

Tara Mandala
Attn: retreatant’s name
P.O. Box 1983
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

As part of the grocery service, we will mail letters for you and deliver any letters or packages that arrive while you are in retreat. You will need to provide your own postage.

Phones, Wifi, and Other Electronics

Phone service is unpredictable everywhere at Tara Mandala, however many find they have cell service at the cabins. Please note that we strongly discourage the use of cell phones or any other electronics during your retreat, as this is a precious opportunity for you to unplug. If you need to use your phone to contact a teacher or listen to a recorded Dharma teaching, you may do so. The small amount of solar power in the cabins is sufficient for charging phones and other small devices. We will not charge phones or other electronic devices for you. There is no wifi access for solitary retreatants.

Keep in Mind

  •  Keep garbage can firmly closed and indoors at all times.
  •  Do not leave food lying around outside (even scraps) to keep from encouraging rodents, bears, etc.
  •  Never leave candles unattended.
  •  Do not leave mattresses outside in case of sudden storms.

Spiritual Guidance

We encourage you to arrange for your own spiritual guidance during retreat as needed. As noted above, you will likely have cell service at your cabin and this will be the best method of contact with your teacher. If there is a resident teacher on the land at Tara Mandala, we will do our best to schedule an interview for you if desired. Please communicate this request to the retreat care person prior to entering retreat. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate this request.

Weather

Tara Mandala is located in the foothills of the San Juan Mountains at 7,600 – 8,100 feet. The year-round weather varies tremendously. We recommend checking a weather website (look for a trip planner) to learn about weather patterns for the time you are in retreat. The coldest months of the year are December and January, with highs in the 10’s – 30’s and lows below zero. Snow cover is typical December – mid-March, and large storms of up to 3 feet of snow are not unheard of. We have over 300 sunny days per year. Summer months are warm, with highs in the 90’s and lows in the 50’s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in August and September.

Emergencies

If needed for an urgent medical condition Pagosa Springs has a small hospital with an Emergency Room, ambulance and air lift services, as well as a Primary Care Clinic. It is about a 30 minute drive from Tara Mandala.

Pagosa Springs Medical Center: (970) 731-3700

Clinic:  (970) 731-9545

95 S. Pagosa Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO  81147

If you would like to give an emergency phone number to friends or family, please use (970) 731-3711. This line is checked regularly M-F.

As You Depart

Please review and complete the check-out form before you depart. You will receive this form when you arrive on the land. We welcome your comments and feedback on your retreat experience.

Please consider offering a donation to Tara Mandala for the continued maintenance of the retreat cabins and general support of our mission.  Tara Mandala is a nonprofit organization. Our lifeblood is the donations of those who are inspired to support us. Please consider becoming a member of Tara Mandala by joining our Sustaining Sangha.

Ways To Give »

Make a Donation Here »

Become a Sustaining Sangha Member »

Retreat Cabins

 

The beauty of nature, quietness, and solitude supported me so much in letting the vajra mind shine through. Having time for my practice with no outer worldly pressure helped me to deeply relax into my meditation, creating space. I’m deeply grateful for this precious time on Tara’s Land!     -Vera M

 

Retreat, or returning to a place of origin, is an age-old practice in many cultures. Our retreat cabins provide a rare and precious opportunity to be completely secluded and alone in a remote mountain setting. Here, you are free to maintain intensive practice and connect with your innermost being. All of our cabins are ideal for solitary retreat. They feature vast views and are remotely located for ultimate privacy.  Each cabin has a single bed with bedding, wood stove heat, a gas burner or cooking stove, and kitchen utensils.  Retreatants bring their own food and practice materials. There is no running water, electricity, limited phone service and no internet service. Each cabin has an outhouse or compost toilet.  Wildlife abounds. 

No smoking, drugs, or intoxicants are allowed at the cabins.

Reservations

$15 non-refundable application fee is required to move forward with booking a solitary retreat cabin. Arrival and departures are on Mondays or Fridays only.

Retreat Fees

Cabin rates are based on the length of your retreat, from a minimum of three nights, and as long as several years, with the permission of an authorized teacher. Retreat fees cover your cabin reservation, fuel (wood and propane), retreatant care (weekly shopping for retreats of more than one week in length), and various supplies.  Food is not provided.   All payments must be received at least 30 days before the start of your arrival on the land.

Minimum stay:  3 nights over a weekend or 7 nights if during winter and severe mud

Cost: 

  • 3-5 nights…………………………………………………………….…….…$95/night
  • One week…………….…………………………………………………….….$400
  • 2 weeks…………………………………………………………………………$650
  • 3 weeks…………………………………………………………………………$900
  • One month thru 6 months………………………………………………$950/month
  • 6 months to one year……………………………………………………..$850/month

 

Registration

Carefully review the Private Retreat Cabin page prior to applying.

Tara Mandala Personal Retreat Cabin

Preparing for your Solitary Retreat

Preparation for a solitary retreat is essential. This can include mental, emotional, social and practical details. It is helpful to schedule a portion of the beginning and end of your retreat for transition time. Because you are totally secluded, it is important to have everything you need before beginning. Let those close to you know you will be out of touch; emergency messages can be delivered by your retreatant care person. We do not recommend a retreat of more than one week if you have not done a solitary retreat before.

Important Packing Tip

At any time of the year, due to rain or snow, you may need to hike in your gear if the roads are muddy or snow covered. Please pack in backpacks and other easily carried bags. Traditional suitcases, even those on wheels, are not appropriate.

Pack Light

Familiarize yourself with the list of items that are provided in the cabin so that you don’t pack what you don’t need. Remember, retreat is a time to unplug, unwind, and disconnect. Bring what you need to be comfortable, food to last your first full week, and try to leave behind nonessential items. You should be prepared to carry everything you bring with you in any condition. We will provide some assistance if possible, but this is not guaranteed.

Provided Items

A blanket, pillows, meditation mat and cushion, altar table, small solar powered light, kitchenware, pots and pans, propane stove, small First Aid kit, cleaning supplies, a high quality filter for catchment water, firewood (retreatant is responsible for making kindling), ax, matches, a lighter, shovels, toilet paper, paper towels, bear spray, bear bell, bear horn. The kitchens in each cabin are at minimum equipped with the basics for cooking and eating a meal.

Altitude

All of our cabins are at an elevation ranging from 7600 – 8000 ft.  Please be sure to prepare for this by drinking more water than usual for 2 – 3 days before your arrival — three to four quarts of water a day is a good guideline. Doing this is a very important step to avoid headaches, irritability, insomnia and other signs of high altitude distress.  If you live near sea level, please expect to take 5-10 days to acclimate to the altitude. During this time you may have less energy than usual or experience headaches or body aches. We recommend drinking at least twice as much water as you are used to and taking extra rest as needed.

If you are traveling from a lower altitude or from far away, it can be helpful to arrive in Colorado at least a day early to acclimate to the high, dry elevation and do any final shopping before you plunge into the experience of retreat.  The nearby town of Pagosa Springs has delightful restaurants, bakeries, and lodging choices as well as the amazing hot springs for which it is named.

Nearby Lodging →

Winter Realities

During  the winter  or muddy months, it may be necessary to hike your gear to the cabin from the main road: approximately 1/3 – 1/2 mile, sometimes uphill or downhill. This hike may be strenuous for those coming from sea level or those with a lack of physical fitness. Often, snowshoes are necessary. Please check current weather conditions and pack accordingly. A large backpack is preferable to a suitcase. A small sled is available to haul your gear and belongings; closed containers that can be bungeed down are best. (Bring your own bungee cords.)

Mail

If you will be in retreat long enough to send and receive mail, please use the following address: P.O. Box 1983, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Food

Please bring enough food and supplies to last you for the first week. For retreats lasting more than one week, it is helpful to bring with you as much non-perishable food as possible. Generally, camping food that is lightweight, non-perishable, and easy to prepare is ideal.  Please keep in mind that there will be either a cooler or a small refrigerator in each cabin (excluding Dragon’s Nest). The refrigerators are turned off between retreats, so it may be necessary to bring your perishable items in a cooler as the refrigerator could take 6-8 hours to cool completely.

Fasting is discouraged. If you do intend to fast during any part of your retreat, please note this on your application form.

Packing List

Suggested personal items:

  • Layered clothing for hot days and cold nights. Summer temperatures range from 95-35 degrees Fahrenheit, frost is possible in April and August.  (Laundry facilities are not available on the land, so please plan accordingly).
  • Boots and slippers
  • Rain/snow gear
  • Sturdy hiking boots and slippers for the cabin
  • Hats (for sun and cold)
  • Flashlight/headlamp and extra batteries
  • Backpack
  • Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (even in winter)
  • Non-toxic insect repellent
  • Snow shoes in winter
  • Candles (votive or pillar)
  • Practice materials
  • Incense
  • Bath and dish towels
  • Camera
  • Cash or credit card for groceries (if staying longer than a week)
  • Personal items: TOWELS, ALARM CLOCK (do not rely on your cell phone alarm), biodegradable soap, shampoo, and other toiletries, etc.
  • Please bring your own EpiPen if you have serious allergies and know you may have need of one

Suggested Food Items:

  •  Dried fruit  • Crackers • Nut butters
  •  Oil/vinegar  • Jam • Pasta
  •  Granola/oats  • Butter/ghee • Spices
  •  Coffee/tea  • Nuts/seeds • Canned or dried soup
  •  Dehydrated food • Ice block

 

Note: Please remember that you are responsible for carrying in everything you will need for the length of your retreat and pack as lightly as possible.

  •  Sweetener  • Whole grains (rice, quinoa, oats)
  •  Cookies/chocolate • Long lasting fresh fruit and vegetables
  •  Rice/soy milk (especially handy in snack pack size)
  •  Canned or condensed milk

Wildlife at Tara Mandala

Nestled within the rugged landscape of Pagosa Springs, the Tara Mandala retreat center offers a sanctuary where practitioners coexist harmoniously with the diverse wildlife of Colorado. Visitors are encouraged to view every creature through a lens of mindful compassion and respect, whether dealing with small insects or larger animals like black bears and mountain lions. To ensure a safe and contemplative experience, the center provides comprehensive guidance on cohabitation by emphasizing practical safety protocols such as secure food storage and the use of bear bells during walks. By blending these essential precautions with the Buddhist value of non-harm, Tara Mandala fosters a unique environment where the natural world serves as an integral part of the spiritual journey. This approach allows guests to maintain a profound and undistracted connection to the surrounding wilderness throughout their stay.

Small Animals and Insects

Love them–they are sentient beings.  If by chance a bird, mouse, or squirrel does get in, just open the doors and windows. By dusk it is sure to find its way out; animals move towards light and fresh air in the evening.  Insects (flies in particular) do this as well. Insects like wasps that you’d rather get rid of immediately can be caught in a drinking glass against a window. Slide a piece of paper under the glass and carry it out.

Larger Animals

Snakes

We have many different snakes on the land, including rattlesnakes as well as many other nonvenomous snakes. Remember, they will only engage with you if they feel threatened. Wear boots if you walk off the trail. Walk mindfully, and always be listening for the telltale rattle. If you’re lucky enough to see one, don’t go near a snake. Stand still, back off slowly and send it away with blessings.

Black Bears

In general, black bears are shy and want to avoid interactions with humans. They are not as aggressive as brown bears, but should still be treated with the utmost respect and caution. Being prepared for how to respond in situations in which you encounter a bear is incredibly important so that you can remain calm and respond to the bear in the appropriate way. 

Preventative Measures: 

If you are hiking, carry your bear bell, bear horn, and bear spray with you. Carry your radio as well. It is a good idea to make noise while you are hiking by clapping or hollering along the way, as this warns animals that you’re in the area. At your cabin never leave food or dirty dishes outside. Never leave your cabin doors or windows open while away.

What To Do During a Bear Encounter:

If you do see a bear, talk to it in a calm, firm voice. Back away slowly and try to return the way you came, while keeping your eyes on the bear. Do not turn and run, as it can be perceived as threatening. It is likely the bear will run away. 

If the bear approaches you, it’s important to determine its body language. If it appears calm and curious, like a youngster wanting to explore, talk to the bear in a firm voice. Try to get out of the bear’s way. Sometimes a bear will act defensively and is trying to communicate that you are too close. Body language could include: popping its jaw, swatting the ground with its front foot while blowing and snorting, or lunging or “bluff charging” toward you. Try to appear non threatening and remain calm. Get your bear spray ready, as you calmly and slowly back away and leave the area. 

If a bear continues approaching and its attention is clearly directed at you, stand your ground and prepare to use your bear horn or deterrent. Act aggressively and let the bear know that you are prepared to fight. Raise your voice, make yourself look bigger, clap and stamp your feet, use your bear horn if you have it. Threaten the bear with whatever is handy (stick, pole, bear spray). 

If a bear comes looking for food near your cabin, you can encourage it to leave by creating a loud noise such as an air horn or whistle, both of which are in the cabins. 

Mountain Lions

Although rarely seen, mountain lions are native to the land. If you encounter one, stay calm and maintain visual contact with the lion. Talk calmly yet firmly to it and make enough eye contact so that it knows you have seen it. Slowly back away, but stay upright and facing the lion. Running may stimulate a lion’s instinct to chase and attack. Raise your arms and position yourself to appear bigger by getting up on a stump or a rock and opening your jacket if you’re wearing one. A loud, sustained noise will often drive the animal away. It is a good idea to bring an air horn and a walking stick with you while hiking. Always carry your radio with you. 

Coyotes

Coyotes are common, and hearing packs hoot and howl around dusk is a regular occurrence. Coyotes have a natural fear of humans, and generally do not pose a threat to us.

Solitary Retreat Registration

Embarking on a personal Buddhist retreat at Tara Mandala involves a structured registration process designed to support deep contemplative practice. Prospective practitioners can apply online for solitary stays ranging from three nights to over a year, with sliding scale pricing that becomes more economical for long term commitments. The center maintains specific check-in and check-out windows on Mondays and Fridays to ensure smooth transitions and proper orientation for every guest. Because the mountain terrain can be unpredictable, visitors should prepare for varying weather conditions that might require hiking gear into their secluded cabins. By establishing clear guidelines for deposits, grocery logistics, and cancellation policies, Tara Mandala creates a stable foundation that allows residents to focus entirely on their inner development and spiritual growth.

Minimum stay: 3 nights over a weekend or 7 nights during winter and severe mud in early Spring.

Fees include grocery shopping if staying longer than one week. Retreatants are responsible for the cost of all grocery purchases.

Cost:

  • 3-5 nights…………………………………………………………….……$95/night
  • 7 nights to one month……………………………….….………….…….$65/night
  • One month to 6 months.………………………….…….…….………..$950/month
  • 6 months to one year……………………………………………………..$850/month

Registration

  1. Apply Now
  2. All registrations must be completed online.  Please read our cabin information pages completely before filling out your application. Your application will be reviewed for approval.
  3. We will contact you upon approval with payment information.  To hold your place, a deposit equal to half of your retreat fee for retreats less than one month, or 50% of your retreat fee for retreats longer than one month, is due within 10 days after your application is accepted. The balance must be received at least 30 days before the start of your retreat.
  4. Cancellations or any date change requests must be in writing.  Refunds and credits are dependent on the timing of the written request. Please send an email to our Registrar on this page with the subject:  Retreat Cancellation Request.
  • For retreats less than three months, cancellations received at least 60 days prior to the retreat start date receive a refund of the payment, minus a $100 fee.
  • For retreats longer than three months, cancellations received at least 60 days prior to the retreat start date receive a refund of the payment, minus a $200 fee.
  • For all retreats, cancellations received between one and two months prior to the retreat start date receive a refund of 50% of their deposit, minus the cancellation fee.
  • Retreat date change requests are possible up to one month before the start of a retreat, with a $100 fee, and depending on cabin availability.
  • No refunds can be made for cancellations received less than one month prior to the retreat start date.

Application for a retreat cabin »

Arrival

Check-in time is strictly between 2:00-3:30 pm on Mondays and Fridays only. A Tara Mandala staff member will greet you upon your arrival for orientation and escort you to the retreat cabin. The long dirt driveways into the cabins are rough and unfinished and range in length from 1/8 to 1/2 mile. They are not passable by car during snow or mud, so you may be required to hike your gear into or out of the cabin. You will be responsible for carrying whatever you pack, so please plan accordingly. In case of severe weather or late arrival, you may be required to delay your check-in.

Directions and Getting Here »

Departure

Check-out time is strictly between 10:00 am and 12:00pm on Mondays and Fridays only. When you check-in, you will arrange a check-out time with the retreatant care manager.  If the roads are passable, you will be picked up at that time at your cabin. If there is snow or mud, you will need to bring your things to the box where groceries are delivered at the designated check-out time.